Sail into Family Holidays with the Best Child-Friendly Cruise Lines 

With everything from wacky waterslides to ice-skating rinks and bumper cars onboard, these child-friendly cruise lines offer unforgettable fun for the whole family.   

Looking for a family escape with a difference? Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard one of the best family-friendly cruise lines, for the experience of a lifetime. From the moment you’re welcomed onboard, you’ll be surrounded by luxurious amenities, exciting activities, gourmet dining and exceptional service. Little ones can run free with world-class children’s entertainment programs, endless pools and play equipment, whilst adults enjoy an indulgent cocktail or spa treatment.  

For precious family moments, savour delicious meals that are guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters, marvel at Broadway-worthy entertainment and explore days ashore at your own pace.  

Whether you are looking for the ultimate relaxation flop and drop or an adventure-packed escape, with so much to do and see, both onboard and ashore, your family is guaranteed to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.  

Disney Cruise Line: a magical experience for the whole family 

Voted Most-Loved Family-Friendly Escape Disney Cruise Line in the 2024 LuxList Travel Awards, a Disney Cruise is the ultimate experience for families seeking magic at sea. Designed to provide an immersive Disney experience, with elaborate theming, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive Disney entertainment from the moment you step onboard, you’ll be transported to a world of enchantment that will leave you and your family in awe.  

Youngsters of all ages will love the kids’ clubs, where they can participate in age-appropriate activities, games, crafts and more. From the Oceaneer Club for young children to Vibe for teens, every age group has a space that is dedicated to their interests and passions. Parents can take advantage of adult-only areas, including pools, lounges, restaurants, the spa and a vibrant nightclub.  

Disney’s ships also offer a range of family-friendly amenities such as pools, waterslides, sports courts, and mini-golf courses. Families are also treated to endless one-of-a-kind Disney entertainment and live shows, including the signature Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Deck Party and the Broadway-at-sea-style production of Beauty and the Beast.   

When it’s time to refuel, families can enjoy a variety of dining options, including the Animator’s Palate, where guests can watch beloved characters come to life on their plates. And don’t forget about the iconic character breakfasts with exclusive Disney, Marvel and Star Wars encounters.  

Norwegian Cruise Line: European opulence at sea 

Norwegian Cruise Line is a perfect choice for families seeking luxury at sea. The line’s 19 ships feature a harmonious blend of gourmet dining and world-class facilities, along with a range of activities, including water parks, zip lines and rock-climbing walls, as well as the only go-karts at sea (on Breakaway Plus and Prima-class ships).

The kids’ clubs offer a range of age-appropriate activities, while a collaboration with Nickelodeon means exclusive character meet-and-greets and themed onboard activities. Children aged between 3-12 can enjoy sports challenges, scavenger hunts, trivia, and arts and crafts at Splash Academy, whilst teens have the flexibility to explore more of the ship and have their own dance club and lounge space to chill with new friends. For moments of serenity, adults can transcend into bliss at Mandara Cruise Spa.  

With destinations all over the world – including Australia and New Zealand, Norwegian Cruise Line offers families a chance to customise their escape and create the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Families can choose to explore the pristine beaches of the South Pacific, experience the wonders of New Zealand’s wilderness, or marvel at the beauty of Europe’s ancient cities. 

Unbeatable Value: We’re confident our exclusive Norwegian Cruise Line packages offers more value than you’ll find anywhere else. If you come across a better offer, give our Cruise team a call on 1300 820 853. 

Royal Caribbean: high-octane adventure for active cruisers  

Boasting some of the biggest ships at sea and amusement park-like facilities onboard, Royal Caribbean is one of the best family-friendly cruise lines for active families. Across her fleet of 29 ships, Royal Caribbean boasts an array of amenities, including water parks, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and bumper cars, as well as surf simulators, zip-lines, the tallest dry slide at sea, skydiving simulators and so much more. The kids’ clubs offer exciting and interactive programs for children of all ages, including science experiments, sports tournaments, cooking classes, ship-wide scavenger hunts and video games.   

Parents can relax at the spa or enjoy adult-only dining options, or head to the Solarium—an adults-only retreat offering a serene escape from the excitement of the ship’s other activities. Romantic evenings alone are a breeze with supervised late-night children’s events available on all Royal Caribbean ships. 

When it comes to dining, Royal Caribbean ships offer a range of options to cater to every taste and preference. From specialty restaurants like Giovanni’s Table and Izumi to casual dining options like the Windjammer Cafe and Johnny Rockets, as well as the unlimited soft-serve ice cream on the pool deck, there’s something for everyone.   

Even the entertainment is high-octane. Broadway-style musicals, festive parades, water acrobatics performances and ice-skating shows wow the crowds. With sailing destinations all over the world, including Australia/Pacific, Asia, North America, the Caribbean and Europe, Royal Caribbean offers families a wide variety of options for adventure and relaxation.

MSC Cruises: Global cruising with family fun 

IMSC Cruises continues to rise as a top family-friendly option with its brand-new ships and wide array of kids’ activities. The latest additions to the fleet, like MSC Seashore and MSC Virtuosa, feature family-focused amenities such as dedicated kids’ clubs, interactive play areas, and aquatic adventures. From the MSC Foundation’s Kids for the Oceans program to immersive Lego workshops, your children will have no shortage of ways to learn and play. 

MSC’s family cabins and suites are perfect for larger groups, providing a comfortable and stylish environment for family holidays. Plus, with a multicultural entertainment schedule, kids and adults alike will be entertained by global acts, Broadway-style performances, and themed parties. 

With itineraries to Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, MSC offers great options for families seeking global cruising experiences with plenty of fun. 

Carnival Cruise Line: affordable fun  

Carnival Cruise Line is known for its affordability and entertaining atmosphere, making it a great choice for families looking to have fun without breaking the bank. The two ships sailing Australian waters, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, offer a wide range of amenities that cater to families, including the thrilling Green Thunder (the steepest and fastest waterslide at sea) mini-golf courses, and a variety of sports activities.  

The whole family will be enchanted by the whimsical and wonderful world of Dr Seuss, as the cruise line’s ‘Seuss at Sea’ program brings childhood nostalgia to life. Meet the mischievous Cat in the Hat, and feast on a breakfast of green eggs and ham as you contemplate all the places you’ll go. 

When the kids are ready for adventures of their own, the marine-themed kids’ club, Camp Ocean, is age-appropriate and offers engaging activities, games, and crafts that will keep kids entertained throughout their voyage.  

When it comes to dining options, families can’t go past the beloved Guy’s Burger Joint, serving up juicy burgers and hand-cut fries and BlueIguana Cantina, offering delicious Mexican-inspired dishes.